In Vitro maturation (IVM?) of oocytes is an innovative Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) applicable for selected couples with male factor, tubal factor, unexplained infertility and PCO/PCOS.

Immature Germinal Vesicle (GV) stage oocytes are retrieved during the womanls natural cycle without any or minimal preceding hormone treatment.

Oocyte maturation to Metaphase II stage oocytes takes place in vitro using special media system.

Standard ICSI or IVF protocols are used after maturation has been obtained with subsequent insemination and fertilization.

IVM could be an alternative to conventional IVF, especially for women with polycystic ovaries or polycystic ovarian syndrome who may be more susceptible to developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during treatment.

OHSS is an excessive ovarian response to ovary-stimulating hormones which, in extreme cases, can be life-threatening (see Further reading).

IVM could also be an option for couples where the cause of infertility has been identified as being male factor only.

If the woman does not have any fertility problems, IVM could be considered as a way of reducing the need for follicle-stimulating drugs.

Because the eggs are immature when they are collected, it is likely that fewer eggs will be collected than in a conventional IVF cycle. There is also a risk that not all the eggs will mature sufficiently to be fertilised with your partner's sperm.